Q5.28: In the rules it is not clearly stated if, when building the model, all the other frame members contained in a floor, besides the perimetral beams, must be placed in the same plane in order to consider the entire floor a rentable floor area. May we place some members one on top of the other as shown in the design guide, as in case of the members placed in X, as long as they do not exceed 0.2 inch in total thickness in the connection area (Figure 14)?

A: The top of each floor must be flat and level across the whole floor area according to the first bullet point of Section 5.6.b of the Official Rules.  Teams are, however, permitted to place additional members below the floor plane as long as the other requirements of the Official Rules are met.  For example, Section 5.6.c requires a minimum height clearance of 2.25 in. for all rentable floor areas and Section 5.4.b limits the size of the faying surface between frame member to frame member connections.